Department of Health And Human Services
Attorney - Advisor
Department of Health And Human Services, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
SUMMARY
This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) combats fraud, waste and abuse in HHS programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, NIH, FDA, CDC, and more. HHS‑OIG is the largest civilian inspector general’s office in the Federal Government, employing a nationwide network of auditors, investigators, attorneys, and evaluators who provide program recommendations to decision‑makers, distribute educational resources, and investigate cases to root out fraud. Our vision is to drive positive change in HHS programs and in the lives of the people served by these programs.
HIRING PATHS All U.S. citizens
DUTIES The Office of Counsel to the Inspector General (OCIG) is OIG’s legal office. OCIG provides legal advice and representation for OIG in all its activities; pursues administrative enforcement through civil monetary penalties, exclusions and information blocking cases; represents HHS in False Claims Act cases and implements and monitors compliance measures; implements all OIG exclusions of health care providers; provides guidance to the health care industry on the Federal anti‑kickback statute and other fraud and abuse authorities; and processes all OIG Freedom of Information Act requests. OCIG staff works closely with professionals across OIG to support legally‑sound, high‑impact work that protects HHS programs and the people touched by those programs. OCIG is hiring multiple attorneys to support its mission, with a specific emphasis on information blocking enforcement. The position(s) will be as an Associate Counsel (GS‑11 to GS‑13) and Senior Counsel (GS‑14 to GS‑15). The duties of the position(s) will include:
Representing OIG in the investigation, litigation, review, analysis, and resolution of civil monetary penalties, with a specific emphasis on matters related to information blocking enforcement, civil monetary penalties, Federal health care program exclusion, kickbacks, substandard quality of care, grant fraud, contract fraud, and whistleblower matters.
Preparing and responding to discovery requests, conducting depositions, representing OIG at administrative hearings, drafting motions, advising and preparing legal opinions on a variety of issues, and providing litigation support to the Department of Justice when cases are in federal court, and representing HHS in False Claims Act cases.
Reviewing and analyzing advisory opinion requests and drafting advisory opinions.
Drafting industry resources and responding to questions and issues from industry representatives regarding compliance with the Federal fraud and abuse laws.
Advising on the application of the Federal fraud and abuse laws.
Monitoring compliance of parties under integrity agreements.
Providing legal advice to other OIG components such as the Office of Audit Services, Office of Evaluation and Inspections, and Office of Investigations.
REQUIREMENTS Conditions Of Employment:
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
You may be required to serve a two‑year trial period.
Positive Education Requirement: This position has an educational requirement, as indicated below. A complete transcript showing relevant coursework and degrees must be submitted with your application package. A list of completed courses or incomplete transcripts will not be accepted.
Minimum Requirements: Applicants must have graduated with a Juris Doctorate (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and must be a current member, in good standing with a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar association.
GS‑11: Applicants must possess a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or LL.B from an accredited ABA law school and possess active bar status in good standing.
GS‑12: Applicants must have one (1) year of relevant professional legal experience post‑bar admission equivalent to at least the GS‑11 grade level. Experience may be outside of the federal government.
GS‑13: Applicants must have two (2) years of relevant professional legal experience post bar admission equivalent to at least the GS‑12 grade level. Experience may be outside the federal government.
GS‑14: Applicants must have three (3) years of relevant professional legal experience post‑bar admission equivalent to at least the GS‑13 grade level. Experience may be outside of the federal government.
GS‑15: Applicants must have four (4) years of relevant professional legal experience post bar admission equivalent to at least the GS‑14 grade level. Experience may be outside the federal government.
Highly qualified applicants will have experience as an attorney advising and representing clients in matters involving health care fraud, HHS programs, and laws addressing fraud, waste, and abuse. This includes experience with investigations and litigation under the False Claims Act; administrative enforcement actions such as civil monetary penalties or exclusions; and legal guidance on whistleblower protections, employment law, and compliance. Additional experience advising health care entities, such as hospitals, health plans, or technology companies, on interoperability, healthcare technology, and information blocking is highly desirable. Your resume should include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year), and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume should include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week.
EDUCATION Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click on the link for a list of accrediting organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Recruitment Incentives: Payment for relocation expenses is not authorized for this position. A recruitment bonus will not be offered. Repayment of student loans will not be offered. Security and Background Requirements: A background security investigation will be required for all appointees. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements may be grounds for appropriate personnel action. In addition, if hired, a background security reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time. Applicants are also advised that all information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation. False representation may be grounds for non‑consideration, non‑selection and/or appropriate disciplinary action.
EEO STATEMENT HHS is an equal opportunity employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or other differences.
FAIR CHANCE ACT The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act (FCA) prohibits federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history record prior to extending a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the FCA. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the FCA may submit a written complaint to the Department by email at FairChanceAct@hhs.gov.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Resume: Federal agencies only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Please visit this website for further instructions. Applicants who submit a resume longer than two pages may be found ineligible for further consideration.
Transcripts
Proof of Active Bar Status
Writing sample not to exceed 5 pages
HOW TO APPLY Email application materials to officeofcounsel@oig.hhs.gov, with the required documents included. Questions regarding this vacancy or the application process should be directed to Tynishia Gardner.
NEXT STEPS This announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will receive notice via email or phone once this process is completed.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION POLICY Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should contact Tynishia Gardner. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.
PRIVACY ACT NOTICE We use this information to determine qualifications for employment. This is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
HIRING PATHS All U.S. citizens
DUTIES The Office of Counsel to the Inspector General (OCIG) is OIG’s legal office. OCIG provides legal advice and representation for OIG in all its activities; pursues administrative enforcement through civil monetary penalties, exclusions and information blocking cases; represents HHS in False Claims Act cases and implements and monitors compliance measures; implements all OIG exclusions of health care providers; provides guidance to the health care industry on the Federal anti‑kickback statute and other fraud and abuse authorities; and processes all OIG Freedom of Information Act requests. OCIG staff works closely with professionals across OIG to support legally‑sound, high‑impact work that protects HHS programs and the people touched by those programs. OCIG is hiring multiple attorneys to support its mission, with a specific emphasis on information blocking enforcement. The position(s) will be as an Associate Counsel (GS‑11 to GS‑13) and Senior Counsel (GS‑14 to GS‑15). The duties of the position(s) will include:
Representing OIG in the investigation, litigation, review, analysis, and resolution of civil monetary penalties, with a specific emphasis on matters related to information blocking enforcement, civil monetary penalties, Federal health care program exclusion, kickbacks, substandard quality of care, grant fraud, contract fraud, and whistleblower matters.
Preparing and responding to discovery requests, conducting depositions, representing OIG at administrative hearings, drafting motions, advising and preparing legal opinions on a variety of issues, and providing litigation support to the Department of Justice when cases are in federal court, and representing HHS in False Claims Act cases.
Reviewing and analyzing advisory opinion requests and drafting advisory opinions.
Drafting industry resources and responding to questions and issues from industry representatives regarding compliance with the Federal fraud and abuse laws.
Advising on the application of the Federal fraud and abuse laws.
Monitoring compliance of parties under integrity agreements.
Providing legal advice to other OIG components such as the Office of Audit Services, Office of Evaluation and Inspections, and Office of Investigations.
REQUIREMENTS Conditions Of Employment:
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
You may be required to serve a two‑year trial period.
Positive Education Requirement: This position has an educational requirement, as indicated below. A complete transcript showing relevant coursework and degrees must be submitted with your application package. A list of completed courses or incomplete transcripts will not be accepted.
Minimum Requirements: Applicants must have graduated with a Juris Doctorate (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and must be a current member, in good standing with a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar association.
GS‑11: Applicants must possess a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or LL.B from an accredited ABA law school and possess active bar status in good standing.
GS‑12: Applicants must have one (1) year of relevant professional legal experience post‑bar admission equivalent to at least the GS‑11 grade level. Experience may be outside of the federal government.
GS‑13: Applicants must have two (2) years of relevant professional legal experience post bar admission equivalent to at least the GS‑12 grade level. Experience may be outside the federal government.
GS‑14: Applicants must have three (3) years of relevant professional legal experience post‑bar admission equivalent to at least the GS‑13 grade level. Experience may be outside of the federal government.
GS‑15: Applicants must have four (4) years of relevant professional legal experience post bar admission equivalent to at least the GS‑14 grade level. Experience may be outside the federal government.
Highly qualified applicants will have experience as an attorney advising and representing clients in matters involving health care fraud, HHS programs, and laws addressing fraud, waste, and abuse. This includes experience with investigations and litigation under the False Claims Act; administrative enforcement actions such as civil monetary penalties or exclusions; and legal guidance on whistleblower protections, employment law, and compliance. Additional experience advising health care entities, such as hospitals, health plans, or technology companies, on interoperability, healthcare technology, and information blocking is highly desirable. Your resume should include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year), and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume should include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week.
EDUCATION Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click on the link for a list of accrediting organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Recruitment Incentives: Payment for relocation expenses is not authorized for this position. A recruitment bonus will not be offered. Repayment of student loans will not be offered. Security and Background Requirements: A background security investigation will be required for all appointees. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements may be grounds for appropriate personnel action. In addition, if hired, a background security reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time. Applicants are also advised that all information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation. False representation may be grounds for non‑consideration, non‑selection and/or appropriate disciplinary action.
EEO STATEMENT HHS is an equal opportunity employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or other differences.
FAIR CHANCE ACT The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act (FCA) prohibits federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history record prior to extending a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the FCA. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the FCA may submit a written complaint to the Department by email at FairChanceAct@hhs.gov.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Resume: Federal agencies only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Please visit this website for further instructions. Applicants who submit a resume longer than two pages may be found ineligible for further consideration.
Transcripts
Proof of Active Bar Status
Writing sample not to exceed 5 pages
HOW TO APPLY Email application materials to officeofcounsel@oig.hhs.gov, with the required documents included. Questions regarding this vacancy or the application process should be directed to Tynishia Gardner.
NEXT STEPS This announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will receive notice via email or phone once this process is completed.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION POLICY Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should contact Tynishia Gardner. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.
PRIVACY ACT NOTICE We use this information to determine qualifications for employment. This is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
#J-18808-Ljbffr